These photos were taken on Thursday afternoon near Waco as storm was approaching. This is a called "discreet cell" storm. (Texas Aggie Storm Chasers Facebook)

These photos were taken on Thursday afternoon near Waco as storm was approaching. This is a called "discreet cell" storm. (Texas Aggie Storm Chasers Facebook)

Image 2 of 38

(Texas Aggie Storm Chasers Facebook)

(Texas Aggie Storm Chasers Facebook)

Image 3 of 38

Sara Shogren, left, is hugged by Zoey Patrick as friends sort through the rubble of the Patrick's home, Sunday, April 15, 2012, in Marquette, Kans. Residents of several states scoured through the wreckage of battered homes and businesses after dozens of tornadoes blitzed the Midwest and Plains Saturday night. (AP Photo/Salina Journal, Tom Dorsey) less

Sara Shogren, left, is hugged by Zoey Patrick as friends sort through the rubble of the Patrick's home, Sunday, April 15, 2012, in Marquette, Kans. Residents of several states scoured through the wreckage of ... more

Photo: Tom Dorsey, Associated Press

Image 4 of 38

Carole Beckett reacts as she sorts through belongings at her home after a tornado moved through Woodward, Okla., Sunday, April 15, 2012. Residents of several states scoured through the wreckage of battered homes and businesses after dozens of tornadoes blitzed the Midwest and Plains Saturday night. (AP Photo/The Oklahoman, Bryan Terry) less

Carole Beckett reacts as she sorts through belongings at her home after a tornado moved through Woodward, Okla., Sunday, April 15, 2012. Residents of several states scoured through the wreckage of battered ... more

Photo: BRYAN TERRY, Associated Press

Image 5 of 38

Image 6 of 38

A tree branch impales a windshield of a car in Thurman, Iowa, Sunday, April 15, 2012. Iowa emergency officials said a large part of the town in the western part of the state was destroyed Saturday night, possibly by a tornado, but no one was injured or killed. Fremont County Emergency Management Director Mike Crecelius said about 75 percent of the 250-person town was destroyed. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) less

A tree branch impales a windshield of a car in Thurman, Iowa, Sunday, April 15, 2012. Iowa emergency officials said a large part of the town in the western part of the state was destroyed Saturday night, ... more

Photo: Nati Harnik, Associated Press

Image 7 of 38

A woman is framed in the doorway of a damaged home in Thurman, Iowa, Sunday, April 15, 2012. Iowa emergency officials said a large part of the town in the western part of the state was destroyed Saturday night, possibly by a tornado, but no one was injured or killed. Fremont County Emergency Management Director Mike Crecelius said about 75 percent of the 250-person town was destroyed. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) less

A woman is framed in the doorway of a damaged home in Thurman, Iowa, Sunday, April 15, 2012. Iowa emergency officials said a large part of the town in the western part of the state was destroyed Saturday night, ... more

Photo: Nati Harnik, Associated Press

Image 8 of 38

An aerial view of the destruction of the Kansas Air Museum in Wichita, Kansas, on Sunday, April 15, 2012. Residents of several states scoured through the wreckage of battered homes and businesses after dozens of tornadoes blitzed the Midwest and Plains Saturday night. (AP Photo/Jeff Tuttle) less

An aerial view of the destruction of the Kansas Air Museum in Wichita, Kansas, on Sunday, April 15, 2012. Residents of several states scoured through the wreckage of battered homes and businesses after dozens ... more

Photo: Jeff Tuttle, Associated Press

Image 9 of 38

People examine the damage in the Oaklawn neighborhood in Wichita, Kan., on Sunday, April 15, 2012, caused by one of several tornadoes that hit the state on Saturday. (AP Photo/Jeff Tuttle)

People examine the damage in the Oaklawn neighborhood in Wichita, Kan., on Sunday, April 15, 2012, caused by one of several tornadoes that hit the state on Saturday. (AP Photo/Jeff Tuttle)

Photo: Jeff Tuttle, Associated Press

Image 10 of 38

Image 11 of 38

People stand by the remains of a business after a tornado struck Woodward, Okla., Sunday, April 15, 2012. More than 100 tornadoes had been reported across the region by daybreak, according to the National Weather Service. (AP Photo/The Oklahoman, Bryan Terry) less

People stand by the remains of a business after a tornado struck Woodward, Okla., Sunday, April 15, 2012. More than 100 tornadoes had been reported across the region by daybreak, according to the National ... more

Photo: Bryan Terry, Associated Press

Image 12 of 38

Jerry Mineman sorts through rubble at the home of Kevin and Zoey Patrick, Sunday, April 15, 2012, in Marquette, Kans. Residents of several states scoured through the wreckage of battered homes and businesses after dozens of tornadoes blitzed the Midwest and Plains Saturday night. (AP Photo/Salina Journal, Tom Dorsey) less

Jerry Mineman sorts through rubble at the home of Kevin and Zoey Patrick, Sunday, April 15, 2012, in Marquette, Kans. Residents of several states scoured through the wreckage of battered homes and businesses ... more

Photo: Tom Dorsey, Associated Press

Image 13 of 38

A tornado moves on the ground north of Solomon, Kan., on Saturday evening, April 14, 2012, with I-70 seen in the foreground. (AP Photo/The Hutchinson News, Sandra J. Milburn)

A tornado moves on the ground north of Solomon, Kan., on Saturday evening, April 14, 2012, with I-70 seen in the foreground. (AP Photo/The Hutchinson News, Sandra J. Milburn)

Photo: Sandra J. Milburn, Associated Press

Image 14 of 38

A tornado forms and touches down north of Soloman, Kan., Saturday, April 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

A tornado forms and touches down north of Soloman, Kan., Saturday, April 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Photo: Orlin Wagner, Associated Press

Image 15 of 38

Image 16 of 38

A funnel cloud dips down from the clouds on Saturday, April 14, 2012, just southwest of Otis, Kansas as severe thunderstorms roll across Kansas. The funnel touched down briefly before the storm weakened. Supercell thunderstorms spawned numerous tornadoes in Kansas on Saturday. (AP Photo/The Hays Daily News, Steven Hausler) (Associated Press) less

A funnel cloud dips down from the clouds on Saturday, April 14, 2012, just southwest of Otis, Kansas as severe thunderstorms roll across Kansas. The funnel touched down briefly before the storm weakened. ... more

Image 17 of 38

A tornado forms and touches down north of Soloman, Kan., Saturday, April 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

A tornado forms and touches down north of Soloman, Kan., Saturday, April 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Photo: Orlin Wagner, Associated Press

Image 18 of 38

THURMAN, IA - APRIL 14: Several Semi trucks and their trailers are overturned on Interstate 29 April 14, 2012 in Thurman, Iowa. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern Nebraska south through Oklahoma. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) less

THURMAN, IA - APRIL 14: Several Semi trucks and their trailers are overturned on Interstate 29 April 14, 2012 in Thurman, Iowa. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern ... more

Photo: Eric Francis, Getty Images

Image 19 of 38

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Galen Zumbach of Creston, Iowa begins the cleanup process with the help of neighbors and friends after his house was hit by a tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados including damage to the Greater Regional Medical Center. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern Nebraska and Iowa south through Oklahoma. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) less

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Galen Zumbach of Creston, Iowa begins the cleanup process with the help of neighbors and friends after his house was hit by a tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the ... more

Photo: Eric Francis, Getty Images

Image 20 of 38

Image 21 of 38

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: A Greater Regional Medical Center vehicle was moved a block by a tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados including damage to the Greater Regional Medical Center. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern Nebraska and Iowa south through Oklahoma. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) less

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: A Greater Regional Medical Center vehicle was moved a block by a tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and ... more

Photo: Eric Francis, Getty Images

Image 22 of 38

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Neighbors and friends embrace while surveying the damage left behind by tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados including damage to the Greater Regional Medical Center. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern Nebraska and Iowa south through Oklahoma. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) less

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Neighbors and friends embrace while surveying the damage left behind by tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and ... more

Photo: Eric Francis, Getty Images

Image 23 of 38

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Galen Zumbach (R) of Creston, Iowa begins the cleanup process with the help of neighbors and friends after his house was hit by a tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados including damage to the Greater Regional Medical Center. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern Nebraska and Iowa south through Oklahoma. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) less

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Galen Zumbach (R) of Creston, Iowa begins the cleanup process with the help of neighbors and friends after his house was hit by a tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the ... more

Photo: Eric Francis, Getty Images

Image 24 of 38

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: People survey the damage following a tornado as residents begin the cleanup process April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados including damage to the Greater Regional Medical Center. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern Nebraska and Iowa south through Oklahoma. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) less

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: People survey the damage following a tornado as residents begin the cleanup process April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds ... more

Photo: Eric Francis, Getty Images

Image 25 of 38

Image 26 of 38

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Damaged sustained to houses following a tornado as residents begin the cleanup process April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados including damage to the Greater Regional Medical Center. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern Nebraska and Iowa south through Oklahoma. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) less

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Damaged sustained to houses following a tornado as residents begin the cleanup process April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong ... more

Photo: Eric Francis, Getty Images

Image 27 of 38

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Damaged sustained to South West Community College following a tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados including damage to the Greater Regional Medical Center. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern Nebraska and Iowa south through Oklahoma. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) less

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Damaged sustained to South West Community College following a tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados ... more

Photo: Eric Francis, Getty Images

Image 28 of 38

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Damaged sustained to South West Community College following a tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados including damage to the Greater Regional Medical Center. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern Nebraska and Iowa south through Oklahoma. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) less

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: Damaged sustained to South West Community College following a tornado April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados ... more

Photo: Eric Francis, Getty Images

Image 29 of 38

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: People survey the damage following a tornado as residents begin the cleanup process April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds and tornados including damage to the Greater Regional Medical Center. The storms were part of a massive system that affected areas from Northern Nebraska and Iowa south through Oklahoma. (Photo by Eric Francis/Getty Images) less

CRESTON, IA - APRIL 15: People survey the damage following a tornado as residents begin the cleanup process April 15, 2012 in Creston, Iowa. Parts of the northern edge of Creston were affected by strong winds ... more

Photo: Eric Francis, Getty Images

Image 30 of 38

Image 31 of 38

A truck drives along I-70 as a tornado moves on the ground north of Soloman, Kan., Saturday, April 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) (Associated Press)

A truck drives along I-70 as a tornado moves on the ground north of Soloman, Kan., Saturday, April 14, 2012. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) (Associated Press)

Image 32 of 38

A member of a cleanup crew clears a branch in Thurman, Iowa, Sunday, April 15, 2012, after severe weather came through the area. A large part of the town in the western part of the state was destroyed Saturday night, possibly by a tornado, but no one was injured or killed. Fremont County Emergency Management Director Mike Crecelius said about 75 percent of the 250-person town was destroyed. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) (Associated Press) less

A member of a cleanup crew clears a branch in Thurman, Iowa, Sunday, April 15, 2012, after severe weather came through the area. A large part of the town in the western part of the state was destroyed Saturday ... more

Image 33 of 38

Injured people gather at the entrance to a mobile home park in Wichita, Kan., after a tornado caused massive destruction in the area, on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Tornadoes were spotted across the Midwest and Plains on Saturday as an outbreak of unusually strong weather seized the region, and forecasters sternly warned that "life-threatening" weather could intensify overnight. (AP Photo/The Wichita Eagle, Travis Heying) MAGS OUT; TV OUT less

Injured people gather at the entrance to a mobile home park in Wichita, Kan., after a tornado caused massive destruction in the area, on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Tornadoes were spotted across the Midwest and ... more

Photo: Travis Heying, Associated Press

Image 34 of 38

Jill Orton, executive director of the Loess Hills chapter of the Red Cross, walks through a wrecked playground as she surveys damage in Thurman, Iowa, Sunday, April 15, 2012. A large part of the town in the western part of the state was destroyed Saturday night, possibly by a tornado, but no one was injured or killed. Fremont County Emergency Management Director Mike Crecelius said about 75 percent of the 250-person town was destroyed. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik) (Associated Press) less

Jill Orton, executive director of the Loess Hills chapter of the Red Cross, walks through a wrecked playground as she surveys damage in Thurman, Iowa, Sunday, April 15, 2012. A large part of the town in the ... more

Image 35 of 38

Image 36 of 38

Residents of the Pinaire Mobile Home Park evacuate the area after it was struck by a reported tornado, in Wichita, Kan., Saturday night, April 14, 2012. (AP Photo/The Wichita Eagle, Chris Neal) (Associated Press) less

Residents of the Pinaire Mobile Home Park evacuate the area after it was struck by a reported tornado, in Wichita, Kan., Saturday night, April 14, 2012. (AP Photo/The Wichita Eagle, Chris Neal) (Associated ... more

Image 37 of 38

A fire burns in the Pinaire mobile home park in Wichita, Kansas after a tornado caused massive destruction in the area on Saturday night April 14, 2012. Tornadoes were spotted across the Midwest and Plains on Saturday as an outbreak of unusually strong weather seized the region, and forecasters sternly warned that "life-threatening" weather could intensify overnight. (AP Photo/Travis Heying) less

A fire burns in the Pinaire mobile home park in Wichita, Kansas after a tornado caused massive destruction in the area on Saturday night April 14, 2012. Tornadoes were spotted across the Midwest and Plains on ... more

Photo: Travis Heying, Associated Press

Image 38 of 38

Aggie storm chasers taking advantage of wild weather across Texas

1 / 38

Back to Gallery

For most people, their experience with what storm chasers do begins and ends with the 1996 blockbuster Twister. But one group of students at Texas A&M get to live that life, at least part time.

The Texas Aggie Storm Chasers is the only college-run storm chasing unit in the state, according to A&M. It lets the group's 40 students get out in the field both to see nature in action and interact with weather professionals.

It's not just about looking for twisters, as much can still be learned from broader severe storms, like structure and development. The team relays their information they gather outside to the National Weather Service.

"The big thing for us is connecting the dots between what we see in the classroom and what we see outside," said Andrew Kirkpatrick, one of the TASC coordinators this year.

Kirkpatrick, 21, said April and May are the busiest times for storm chasers.

Students take their own cars, driving hundreds of miles to look for severe storms and tornadoes, Kirkpatrick said. Before members can go on a chase, they must take a safety seminar to be informed about what they could come up against. Each car has a team leader who uses ham radio to communicate with the outside.

On Thursday, the group went storm chasing just west of Waco and were able to observe a wall cloud, which leads to tornado formation.

A&M spokesman Keith Randall said that in addition to the storm chasers the school has a very strong meteorological department. TASC is supervised by the Texas A&M Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Geosciences. It's a mouthful for something that can be potentially very fun and yes, very dangerous.

Last May, three pro storm chasers who were working on a series for the Discovery Channel were killed while chasing a tornado that killed 10 others near El Reno, Okla. It made the group especially cautious about venturing into some of the worst weather nature can throw at them this year.

"As a kid I was always excited at the possibility of strange weather," says Kirkpatrick.

Alumni from the group go on to work in a variety of weather-related areas. After he graduates, Kirkpatrick would like to work for the NWS or a private weather company that can do specialized forecasts for the public. It's been a lifelong passion, it seems.

He remembers watching the coverage of Tropical Storm Allison as a small boy and later in high school he watched as much coverage as he could about Hurricane Ike, losing sleep in the process.

"Storm chasers somehow happen to find each other, and everyone seems to know everyone," Kirkpatrick says. They try to only chase storms in groups and not go off in pairs or alone.

"Days when it is sunny and 75 degrees aren't any fun," Kirkpatrick said.